MANASQUAN, N.J. (Feb. 4, 2013) – Films for children and families from both local and international filmmakers have been selected to be screened at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, N.J., from Feb. 8-10 in the second annual Kidz Filmz festival.

A joint venture between Algonquin Arts Theatre and the Garden State Film Festival, Kidz Filmz provides educational enhancement as well as an outlet for creativity and enrichment through the presentation of films that are the very finest in entertainment for the young and young at heart.

"We are so fortunate to have an excellent selection of films from all around the world to bring to the community," said Garden State Film Festival founder Diane Raver of Sea Girt. "Independent Film is a great medium in which to help children and adults broaden their horizons by putting a spotlight on creativity, introducing other cultures and enhancing their educational experience while enjoying a fun family event at the theatre at an affordable price."

Both short and feature-length films will be presented at Algonquin Arts Theatre in a festival format with screenings beginning on Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. The next day, Saturday, Feb. 9, will include screenings at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with "The Wizard of Oz" presented at 7 p.m. The Sunday, Feb. 10, screenings will include a feature-length documentary at 1 p.m. and a final screening at 3:30 p.m.

Screening blocks contain multiple films in a variety of genres and average 90 minutes in length. Tickets to each screening cost $7 for adults and $5 for children under 18. An All-Access pass valid at all screenings is available for $20. Visit algonquinarts.org/kidzfilmz for a full schedule and synopsis of the films. Tickets and All-Access passes can be purchased in advance online or by calling 732-528-9211.

Films from as close as Wall Township, N.J., and as far away as Greece have been selected for screening. A total of 10 of the films entered were either produced in Monmouth and Ocean Counties or produced by a resident of those counties. Filmmakers in attendance will participate in a Q & A after each session.

On Saturday night, Feb. 9, the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" will be shown out of competition. Just one year younger than the Algonquin theatre itself, this film is being show expose a classic film to a new, younger audience in a rare movie theatre screening.

Sunday's first session features a fantastic documentary, "Magic Camp," an award-winning film by Judd Ehrlich that doesn't include campfires or sing-a-longs, just MAGIC. The film chronicles Tannen's Magic Camp - the real-life Hogwarts, where magic-obsessed kids congregate to escape the pressures of growing up.

A one-hour workshop "Animation Nation" will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. The film created during the workshop will be included as part of the next block of films at 1 p.m. The workshop costs $5 and is recommended for ages 8-14. Enrollment is limited.

The festival will also include a school screening on Friday morning that will be attended by local students and include a sampling of the weekend's films.

About Algonquin Arts Theatre:
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman and remembering Marialana and her love for children and the arts.